Crews contended with a dangerous house fire outside Gulgong late on Sunday evening.

A number of gas cylinders were present at the location, requiring firefighters to carry out a defensive attack to prevent an explosion.

The blaze was contained but it completely destroyed the house despite the efforts of those on the scene.

Shortly after 11pm on Sunday night (July 29, 2018), firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Gulgong were called to the house fire at Stubbo, seven kilometres from Gulgong. Along with crews from the NSW Rural Fire Service and the assistance of Hazmat Tanker 387 Mudgee.

Despite the efforts of personnel on the scene the house couldn’t be saved. Firefighting gear was bagged and tagged for laundering due to exposure to asbestos at the property.

The incident is a reminder that the cooler months see a 10 per cent increase in the number of home fires.

Extra precautions with a month of winter remaining include; turning off heaters and electric blankets before leaving home or getting into bed; cleaning clothes dryer lint filters before or after each use; not overloading powerboards; keeping candles away from curtains and put them out before leaving the room; not using LPG cylinders for cooking or heating indoors as they can leak toxic and explosive gas; and having a working smoke alarm.